Car Accident Injury Treatment in Lighthouse Point, FL — PIP Accepted
If you've been in a car accident in South Florida — on US-1, I-95, Sample Road, Federal Highway, or anywhere in Broward or Palm Beach County — the most important thing to know is this: you have 14 days from the date of the accident to seek medical treatment to preserve your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under Florida law.
After 14 days, your right to those benefits may be permanently lost. Don't wait.
McNamara Chiropractic Center in Lighthouse Point accepts PIP insurance for auto accident injuries. Dr. Carol McNamara Krauss has been treating car accident patients since 1986, and her practice is set up to handle the documentation, billing, and clinical care that auto accident cases require.
Florida's 14-Day Rule — What You Need to Know
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for up to $10,000 in medical benefits regardless of who caused the accident — but only if you seek treatment within 14 days of the accident.
After a chiropractic evaluation, if your provider documents an "emergency medical condition," you're eligible for the full $10,000. If the condition is non-emergency, the benefit is capped at $2,500.
This is not legal advice — consult a personal injury attorney about your specific situation. But from a clinical standpoint: get evaluated promptly, even if you feel relatively okay. Many auto accident injuries — particularly whiplash — don't produce full symptoms for 24–72 hours after the crash.
Common Auto Accident Injuries We Treat
Whiplash (cervical acceleration-deceleration injury) The most common car accident injury. The rapid forward-and-back snap of the neck during impact stresses the cervical spine structures: facet joints, disc annuli, ligaments, and the paraspinal musculature. Symptoms range from neck pain and stiffness to headache, arm numbness, and cognitive fog.
Herniated cervical or lumbar disc Impact forces can herniate discs that were previously intact or accelerate degeneration in pre-existing disc disease. Lumbar disc herniation from rear-end impact is common.
Shoulder injury Bracing against the steering wheel at impact or seat belt loading can injure the rotator cuff, AC joint, and surrounding structures.
Sciatica Lower back impact can compress disc material against lumbar nerve roots, producing sciatica — pain, numbness, and tingling radiating down the leg.
Concussion / post-concussion symptoms Head impacts to windows, headrests, or airbags. We coordinate with appropriate providers when neurological symptoms are present.
Our Treatment Approach
Dr. McNamara conducts a thorough examination, documents your injuries, and develops a treatment plan appropriate to your specific injuries. Depending on what's found, treatment may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments for spinal alignment and mobility
- Spinal Decompression Program for disc-related injuries
- Shoulder Restoration Program for shoulder injuries
- Class IV laser and shockwave for soft tissue injury acceleration
- Referral for X-ray or MRI when imaging is clinically indicated
Documentation is thorough. Dr. McNamara's records support personal injury claims and attorney needs.
PIP Insurance — How It Works at Our Office
We accept PIP (Personal Injury Protection) as the primary payer for auto accident injuries. When you call to schedule, tell us:
- You were in a car accident
- The date of the accident
- Your auto insurance carrier
We handle the rest of the billing process and will confirm coverage. You should not have out-of-pocket costs up to your PIP benefit amount.
If you also have a personal injury attorney, we can coordinate with their office on documentation and records requests.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
- Your auto insurance information (policy number, carrier)
- The police report or accident report number
- Any emergency room or urgent care records from the day of the accident
- Attorney contact information if you have representation
About Dr. McNamara
Dr. Carol McNamara Krauss, DC, has treated auto accident patients in South Florida for nearly 40 years. Her practice — in operation since 1986 — is well-versed in PIP documentation requirements and the clinical management of traumatic musculoskeletal injury.
Florida Chiropractic Physician License CH5281, active through 2028.
Staff member Dawn Marie Teufel handles the administrative side of PIP claims efficiently — you're not navigating this alone.
Patient Feedback
"I was so pleased to find this practice; sheer professionalism from each of the three staff I dealt with. Dr. McNamara is clearly very knowledgeable and caring." — Greg Kealey
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 14-day rule in Florida? Under Florida's PIP statute, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of a car accident to use your PIP benefits. Missing this window may forfeit up to $10,000 in coverage.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor after an accident? No. You can come directly to our office. Call (954) 943-1100 and tell us you were in an accident.
What if I feel fine right now? Whiplash symptoms often don't peak until 24–72 hours after impact. Disc injuries can be asymptomatic initially and worsen over days or weeks. An evaluation documents your injuries at or near the time of the accident.
Does it cost me anything? Not up to your PIP benefit amount. We bill PIP directly.
Can I still be treated if I missed the 14-day window? You can still be treated, but PIP may not cover it. We accept major insurance and self-pay. Call to discuss options.
Will you provide documentation to my attorney? Yes. We provide full medical records, progress notes, and any required documentation for personal injury claims.
What cities do you serve for accident injuries? We regularly see patients from Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Coral Springs.
How do I schedule? Call (954) 943-1100 immediately. Same-day appointments are often available for accident patients. We're at 3320 N. Federal Highway, Suite 101, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064.
Ready to Feel Better?
Call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Carol McNamara.